Bachelor in Graphic Design 3D
- Los Angeles, USA
- Valencia, Spain
Bachelor's degree
DURATION
5 years
LANGUAGES
English, Spanish
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning, On-Campus, Blended
Key Summary
3D graphic design has become the visual language that defines the new digital era. Every day, films, video games, advertising, and immersive experiences use this art to connect with millions of people around the world. In the 3D Graphic Design Career Program at Universal Arts School, you will discover how to transform your creativity into innovative projects that combine technique and art in equal measure.
You will learn everything from the fundamentals of digital art and digital sculpting to environment design for video games and the creation of realistic or fantastical characters. Thanks to industry-leading tools such as ZBrush, Maya, Photoshop, and Unreal Engine, your training will be hands-on and industry-oriented. Get ready to expand your talent and shape visual worlds that will make a difference in film, advertising, and video games.
Double Degree
International Certification USA–Spain
Our dual-degree program allows you to graduate with two official certificates:
- Curriculum certified in the USA, meeting American industry standards for creative careers worldwide.
- European accreditation, fully recognized in Spain and across Europe.
This ensures that your training is not limited to one country. You’ll have the credentials to work internationally, from Hollywood to European studios.
- Official diploma issued in California
- International registration backed by the BPPE
- Translation and validation of academic transcripts
- Portfolio guidance and support in English
- International letter of recommendation
You can choose the following paths:
Matte Painting
Welcome to the fascinating world of Matte Painting! Through exercises and techniques such as photobashing, editing and postproduction, camera tracking, compositing, asset creation, and terrain reconstruction, you’ll recreate ruins and master the complex processes of rendering and integrating real images with CGI recreations. Along the way, you’ll learn industry standards starting from essential artistic bases such as color, photography, lighting, and framing. You’ll also master the software needed to generate your own content efficiently. Get ready to explore a universe of creativity where your visual dreams come to life, and every brushstroke takes you one step closer to excellence in the captivating world of Matte Painting.
Software: Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, ZBrush, 3ds Max, Marmoset Toolbag, Unreal Engine
Game Art
Turn your imagination into breathtaking worlds! Design cities, magical vehicles, and powerful weapons. This creative discipline is applied in film, commercials, and beyond. Learn the techniques to succeed as an Environment/Prop Artist, creating captivating worlds and collaborating with others to bring exciting games to life. Be the architect of your own adventures!
Software: Maya, ZBrush, Unreal Engine
3D Sculpting
Welcome to the exciting world of Sculpting! Here, you’ll acquire the skills to bring characters and creatures to life—stars of the film, animation, and video game industries. You’ll also be able to create printable sculptures for collectibles, miniatures, and breathtaking scenography. From anatomy to texturing, you’ll master every industry technique and secret to create characters in any style—cartoon, realistic, or unique creature design. Prepare for an exciting journey where your creativity will reach new heights and your creations will leave a lasting mark on the entertainment industry.
Software: ZBrush, Substance Painter, Substance Designer, Photoshop
- Creative individuals passionate about digital art and animation
- Graduates in graphic design, fine arts, audiovisual communication, or related fields
- Professionals seeking to update their skills with the latest 3D design trends
- International students looking for official recognition in both Europe and the United States
The school offers:
- Partial scholarships for merit and creative talent
- Discounts for early enrollment (check active code)
- Flexible payment plans tailored to the student
Matte Painting
Block 1 – Artistic Fundamentals
- History and applications of matte painting and photobashing
- Principles of composition and analysis of classic works
- Color theory and study of chromatic palettes
- Observation practices: photography, textures, and references
Block 2 – Photoshop and Perspective
- Essential tools for editing and digital painting
- Layer management, masks, blending modes, and color adjustments
- Two- and three-point perspective applied to visual storytelling
- Sketching exercises and extraction of color schemes
Block 3 – Photography, 3D, and Advanced Compositing
- Reflex photography: exposure, ISO, lenses, and aberrations
- Modeling in 3ds Max and ZBrush (props, environments, and characters)
- Fusion: integration of 3D elements, atmospheric effects, and camera tracking
- Scene and character creation with photobash
Block 4 – Postproduction and Final Project
- After Effects: animation, masks, particles, tracking, and camera mapping
- Rendering and lighting for completed projects
- Integration of 2D and 3D elements into final scenes
- Final project delivery and presentation
Game Art
Block 1 – Fundamentals of Art and Props
- Creating basic sets and props based on concept art
- Concept analysis and 3D adaptation
- Initial modeling, proportions, and geometry editing
Block 2 – Environments and Textures
- Advanced environment modeling and UV mapping
- Introduction to Photoshop and hand-painted cartoon textures
- Creation and application of basic and advanced materials
Block 3 – Mechanics, Assets, and Animation
- Level design, gameplay, and basic blueprints
- Skeleton creation, skinning, and rigging (IK/FK, constraints)
- Importing meshes, animations, and resources for gameplay
Block 4 – Final Project and Presentation
- Lighting, post-processing, and executable package creation
- Mechanics supervision and error correction
- Project presentation in Marmoset and final delivery
3D Sculpting
Block 1 – Anatomy Fundamentals and Digital Sculpture
- ZBrush basics and workflow methodology
- Human anatomy: proportions, skull, torso, limbs, and hands
- Drawing and sculpting practices to assimilate anatomy
Block 2 – Head, Portrait, and Advanced Details
- Anatomy and sculpting of the human head
- Retopology, UVs, and detail techniques (skin, hair, fabric)
- Using Marvelous Designer for clothing and basic simulations
Block 3 – Modeling, Texturing, and Props
- Creating cartoon and low-poly characters
- Polygonal modeling: props, hard surface, vehicles, and environments
- Texturing with Substance Painter and baking techniques
Block 4 – Presentation and Final Project
- Lighting, rendering, and animation in Marmoset Viewer
- Postproduction in Photoshop and After Effects
- Personal reel, feedback, and final master’s project submission
- Master industry-leading software: Maya, ZBrush, Photoshop, Unreal Engine, Substance Suite
- Create 3D environments, characters, and props to professional standards
- Develop technical and artistic skills for the film and video game industries
- Design a competitive portfolio with high-level visual pieces
- Obtain international certification USA–Spain for a global career
- 3D Graphic Designer for film, video games, and advertising
- Digital Matte Painter
- Character/Creature Artist
- Props and Environment Artist
- 3D Modeler specialized in scenography
- Digital Sculptor for miniatures and collectibles
- Texture/Dressing Artist
- Real-Time Character Artist
- Cinematic Character Artist
- Creature Artist
- Scenography Sculptor
- Collectible Miniature Sculptor
- Texture Artist
- Props Modeler
- Dressing Artist
- Dual USA–Spain degree with international recognition
- Strategic locations: Los Angeles and Valencia
- Faculty of active professionals in the video game industry
- Hands-on learning with real, collaborative projects
- Access to the alumni network and partnerships with top studios
- Flexible formats: online, blended, or on-campus